Celebrity Chef José Andrés to Deliver Commencement Address at the George Washington University, May 18

WASHINGTON, March 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- World-renowned chef José Andrés will address graduates of the George Washington University at its Commencement on May 18. The James Beard winner is known to the George Washington community through his acclaimed restaurants, his PBS television series, his food advocacy work and his popular class, "The World on a Plate: How Food Shapes Civilization," where he calls on students to change the world through food. Mr. Andrés will receive an honorary doctorate of public service and deliver remarks to an estimated 25,000 graduates and guests at a ceremony like no other in the world on the National Mall.

"José Andrés brings boundless energy, wit and imagination to his work not only as a renowned chef but as a passionate champion of education, health and economic opportunity, both locally and globally," said George Washington University President Steven Knapp.  "I know our graduating students will be stimulated and inspired by his reflections on his extraordinary and multifaceted career."

Mr. Andrés is recognized as a culinary innovator. His company, ThinkFoodGroup, manages several top Washington, D.C. Mr. Andrés has advocated for hunger and nutrition issues around the world through his World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit inspired by a visit to Haiti, that aims to feed people facing humanitarian crises across the globe, and as a culinary ambassador for Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves helping to raise awareness of the death, sickness and injury caused by toxic smoke from cooking stoves in developing countries. A member of GW's Urban Food Task Force, Mr. Andrés is a special adviser to Dr. Knapp on food issues.

"I am so humbled to be asked to give the commencement address this year at the George Washington University and to receive the honorary doctorate of public service. I've been in Washington for over 20 years and I've always had great respect for the university and its influence not just in Washington but around the country and the world. This university is so special, located in the heart of our nation's capital, so close to White House, this is where our future leaders are learning how to shape our world.  For me this is a true honor," said Mr. Andrés.

For more information: https://mediarelations.gwu.edu/celebrity-chef-jos%C3%A9-andr%C3%A9s-deliver-commencement-address-george-washington-university-may-18

SOURCE George Washington University